50 Men Who Made LFC: Phil Thompson
A lifelong Red who lived every Liverpool fan's dream in lifting the European Cup as captain in 1981.
Phil Thompson began his journey to Anfield glory with the club’s youth team, impressing in midfield before his talents as a defender resulted in a move to the back four under Bill Shankly.
The Kirkby-born centre-half enjoyed his first taste of success under Shanks but truly came to the fore when the Scot’s successor, Bob Paisley, took the reins.
Thompson and co collected trophies for fun during an incredible period for the club, and in 1979 he was part of a record-breaking back-line that conceded just 16 league goals.
After retiring, the Scouser made his move into the dugout and fulfilled various roles during an initial stint between 1986 and 1993.
He returned to Anfield five years later to serve as assistant to Gerard Houllier and played a key role in the treble-winning campaign of 2000-01.
The next season saw Thompson temporarily thrust into the manager’s seat while Houllier recovered from a heart operation and, as ever, he served the club with distinction and no small degree of success.
Click through our 50 Men Who Made LFC countdown below